Transcatheter Embolization of Systemic-to-pulmonary Artery Fistulas: a Case Report

The systemic artery to pulmonary vessel fistula(SAPVF) is an uncommon vascular abnormal communication between systemic arteries (except bronchial arteries) and the lung parenchyma[1]. It can be divided into congenital and acquired causes. Congenital SAPVF is often accompanied by cardiac or pulmonary artery hypoplasia, and acquired are usually caused by pleural adhesions after pleurisy, empyema, trauma, or surgery[2].We report a case of transcatheter arterial embolization for the treatment of congenital right inferior phrenic artery to pulmonary artery fistula.

Coronary-Pulmonary Artery Fistula Recanalization on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Images

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive diagnostic method used (apart from the diagnosis of coronary artery disease) in the diagnosis of malformations of the coronary circulation and monitoring the effects of their treatment. In this paper, the authors present the case of recanalization of the coronary-pulmonary fistula, which was surgically closed in the past. This case highlights that follow-up CCTA after surgical treatment of coronary artery fistula should be performed in every patient. The recommendations regarding the frequency of such follow-up should be made.

Coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: report of two surgical cases

Pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect is a complex congenital cardiac anomaly. The blood is supplied to the lungs through a patent ductus arteriosus, a major aortopulmonary collateral artery, or in very rare cases from a coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula. We present two cases with coronary artery–pulmonary artery fistula which underwent surgical intervention. In our first patient, the main pulmonary artery was supplied from the left main coronary artery. In the second patient, the right pulmonary artery originated from the left main coronary artery and continued to the right lung posteriorly to the aorta, while the left pulmonary artery originated from the patent ductus arteriosus. The difference in our cases is that the coronary artery pulmonary artery fistulas behave like major aortopulmonary collateral arteries originating from the coronary arteries. These fistulas were the main source of pulmonary blood flow.

Bronchial Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula Presenting with Massive Hemoptysis in a Pediatric Patient

Hemoptysis is a serious and potentially life-threatening event. Mortality is estimated at 13% for this chief complaint with age, volume of hemoptysis and receipt of blood products as risk factors for mortality. Hemoptysis is mostly seen in those with underlying congenital cardiac conditions or Cystic Fibrosis. We describe a unique case of a previously healthy 10 year old male who presented to the ED by EMS with a moderate volume episode of hemoptysis. He was admitted to the PICU where a sudden episode of massive hemoptysis precipitated by forced respiratory effort occurred during his examination. He decompensated and was emergently brought to the OR for airway evaluation by ENT and pulmonology. A large clot was found in the RML segment with brisk bleeding following removal of the clot. A 5 Fr bronchial blocker was placed to achieve hemostasis. Bronchial artery angiogram by IR demonstrated extravasation of contrast from right bronchial artery to segmental right lower lobe pulmonary artery shunt. He underwent embolization of the right bronchial artery. He was extubated the following day after no recurrent bleeding was confirmed with bronchoscopy. BA-PA fistulas are rare vascular anomalies in which an anastomosis is formed between systemic and pulmonary arteries. They are most commonly acquired, often described as secondary to chronic inflammatory lung diseases. BA-PA fistulas can also be congenital and have been seldom described in the literature. Our case highlights the importance of this rare diagnosis, which must remain on a pediatric pulmonologist’s differential due to the significant associated mortality.

Congenital coronary artery-to-pulmonary fistula with giant aneurysmal dilatation and thrombus formation: a case report and review of literature

Background Coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal vascular communication between the coronary artery and pulmonary artery. While most patients remain asymptomatic, some might exhibit symptoms of myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death if coronary aneurysm, thrombosis, infective carditis, or other congenital cardiac defects coexist. Case presentation We present a 66-year-old male complaining of angina pectoris with a history of hypertension and active smoking. He was diagnosed with a coronary aneurysm based on coronary computed tomography angiography. We subsequently identified a coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula with giant aneurysmal dilation on coronary angiography. Ultimately we conducted surgery ligation and aneurysmorrhaphy. During surgery, we discovered newly formed thrombus within the aneurysmal cavity. Histological analysis of the aneurysmal wall supported the diagnosis of the congenital disorder. Our patient was successfully discharged and remained asymptomatic at two months of follow-up. Conclusion We presented a rare and complex combination of congenital coronary artery-to pulmonary artery fistula, giant coronary aneurysmal dilatation, and thrombosis through multi-modality evaluations.